CoffeeBreak With The Word

Thursday, August 05, 2021

Trustworthy

Americans are unsure about how to respond to COVID. Wear a mask or don’t? Open up our schools or limit exposure? Is the “Delta variant” a real issue or not? Guidance provided by government agencies has been confusing at best, often contradictory. The political implications attached to closures, masking, and vaccines seem to shape the directives given to us as much as the facts. Sensing this, the majority of us no longer trust those who are supposed to leading us to health and safety.
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Working societies where people are creating good outcomes must have a foundation of trust. "Norms and institutions that create predictability and confidence and trust... propel innovation. Without trust there is no risk-taking, and without risk-taking there is no innovation. . . if you want to get more people to take the necessary risk to innovate, just put more trust in the room. ... Having an abundance of trust is essential in the world of collaboration because the more that people trust each other, the more likely it is that they are going to work well together." -Dov Seidman (as quoted in The World is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman)

Trust is created over time by people with integrity and it is fragile, evaporating in a moment. Trust is broken by actions that are self-centered. Trust is shattered by dishonesty. Trust is lost when it becomes known that there is manipulation and/or self-interest. Recently, I had a conversation with a person in a position of authority only to reach the conclusion within an hour that I could not reasonably trust him, not because he was a terrible person, but because he clearly had an agenda in mind to advance his own interests, more than those of others. As a result, my words became more guarded.

Christian, our relationships in the Body of Christ need a foundation of trust. That is only possible if we take to heart the command of Christ to love; deeply! "Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements." (Romans 13:10, NLT) What might we accomplish in the cause of Christ if we trusted each other and encouraged each other to accept gifts of the Spirit? How would we be free to offer ourselves in service, to discover the best ways minister in His name, if we lived with solid trust that others would not ‘use’ us or abuse us?

Trust extends up and down the line of spiritual authority. As a Pastor I cannot fulfill my calling to shepherd God’s people if they do not trust me. Conversely, they will not trust me if I fail to demonstrate devotion, maturity, and an unselfish heart. Just imagine the possibilities created where the first question asked is - "how can we help that person feel secure in our love so that they can pursue the will and purpose of God fearlessly?"

Are you trustworthy?
Do you do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it?
Do you aim to serve or be served, encouraging others? I hope you will join me in prayerfully asking those questions.

There is a security we can know that frees us to be more trusting, not out of some naïve expectation that everyone is ‘nice;’ they are not; but because God is faithful, unchanging, and filled with great love for us. Paul prayed, as do I, "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19, NIV) Trust Him. And, from that place of trust, serve, give, love – overflowing with His good grace.

Here is a word from the Word. I pray that it strengthens your trust God today. "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation." (Hebrews 10:35-39, NLT)

Friend, God loves you and desires that you love and trust Him in return! Secure in Him, we can live open lives, full of generosity, knowing that He will not fail, will not forget. Someday He will welcome to a rich reward for faithfulness with open arms and the words – “Well done, good and faithful servant."

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Goodness Of God

(Take a few minutes and make this your worshipful confession)

I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a father
I've known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God

Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me

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Wednesday, August 04, 2021

Consider the Lilies

My mother-in-law is in care for some serious issues. For a couple of days answers have been in short supply as the medical professionals try to find the cause of her present state. A text in my phone came in the evening while I sat in a hospital waiting area. It said, “Take a picture of the sunflowers before sunset.” Cryptic, right? But, then I remembered that along the drive into the hospital campus a field of sunflowers grew. When I left for home I took the advice, parked my car, and took a few moments to appreciate the beauty and to reset my soul in hope.

Remember Jesus’ words? “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28-30, KJV)

The challenges of life, regardless of age or circumstance, will threaten to overwhelm us from time to time. We need the reminder to take a break and ‘consider the lilies,’ or as in my case, ‘take a picture of the sunflowers!’ This does not mean that we disengage in studied apathy or pretend that all is well. I am quite concerned about my 88 year old Mom’s health and well-being, saddened by her suffering! But I am comforted by the knowledge that God in Heaven cares for her, for me. He makes life go on, prepares a way, provides for our needs IF we will trust Him.

I hope that your life is full of sunshine and that the way before you is smooth! But … yes, here it goes … eventually the clouds will gather, the dark will come, the way will get steep. What then? Will you fall apart, will you be adrift in fear? Not if you have taken time to consider the lilies along the way. You will know a Friend that is close, a Savior that gives peace, and Hope that is greater than your troubles.

After she had a medical crisis in the emergency room, I watched Mom gather herself and saw her praying quietly even as the chaos of the staff response swirled around her. She knows the One who hold tomorrow in His hand. When we finally settled into a room and all was quiet, I played some old hymns and listened to her quietly sing along with the words, as her hands moved in rhythm to the music; her soul comforted by the Presence of the Eternal Spirit.

Friend, today ‘consider the lilies…’ that do not stress or fear. The full context of those words is our word from the Word today. Take a few moments to read Jesus’ invitation, to meditate on the assurance He offers. May your day be full of faith, centered in His love.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes?

See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34 NIV)

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Consider The Lilies

Consider the lilies they don't toil nor spin
And there's not a king with more splendor than them
Consider the sparrows they don't plant nor sow
But they're fed by the Master who watches them grow

We have a heavenly Father above
With eyes full of mercy and a heart full of love
He really cares when your head is bowed low
Consider the lilies and then you will know

May I introduce you to this Friend of mine
Who hangs out the stars tells the sun when to shine
And kisses the flowers each morning with dew
But He's not too busy to care about you

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Monday, August 02, 2021

The Promise of NEW

Yesterday, I met with 3 people who will be baptized in a couple of weeks to talk about that decision. At the table was a young girl of 11, a middle-aged Mom, and a teenage boy. My heart overflowed with joy knowing my privilege to stand as a representative of Jesus Christ in a significant moment of their Christian life. Our church practices ‘believer’s baptism’ fully immersing that person who is confessing faith in water in a large baptismal tank built into the front of the sanctuary. But why?\

The New Testament word that is translated as “baptism” in our Bible, was not a ‘religious’ word. It was a word used about ordinary tasks. A piece of cloth that was to be dyed was plunged into the dye solution (baptized!) and the process changed the cloth’s appearance forever. A piece of iron that was to become a tool was heated to a red-hot malleable state, then shaped into that useful implement. The final step was to drop the hot iron into a bucket of water (baptized!) to make it strong. A sponge was plunged into water with cleaning properties (baptized!) where it absorbs the cleaning solution, filled and useful for household purposes.

The new Believer will be baptized in the hope that she will be forever marked by her public witness to faith. She will be baptized with the prayer that the act will temper her faith, a moment to remember, strengthened by this outward choice that reflects her inner reality. Finally, as she is plunged into the water, there is the prayer for the fullness of the Spirit to be released in her life as Peter promised those who received the Gospel at Pentecost. He told the crowd that gathered that day to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39, NIV)

Baptism was never meant to be a quiet ritual of little note. It is a BIG deal, a major announcement, the initiatory moment of faith. “Hey, world, I’m a Believer. My life belongs to Christ Jesus!”

Paul teaches us that by faith we enter fully into the experience of Christ Jesus in baptism. The one baptized gets more than dripping wet! He identifies with his Savior, reenacting the signature moments of faith. "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." (Romans 6:3-5, NIV)

Yes, when I baptize those three there will be death and life, a burial and a resurrection. They are already ‘in Christ’ through faith, given new life by the Spirit. I know this and so do they, and yet, there is a powerful moment in their discipleship which they can know as they are obedient to Christ’s example and command of baptism. Do I understand it all logically? No, it is the mystery of faith, God’s revealed will. But, I do know that those who enter into this act in faith with expectation of the Spirit’s touch, find great joy. It can be an unforgettable moment.

In my own life, I still remember that July Sunday in 1966 when my pastor asked me of my confession of faith and plunged me into the water of baptism. I was only 11 years old but the memory endures and I am a ‘marked man’ for it!

Have you been baptized since YOU believed? Our word from the Word: "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)

_________________

Baptized

I can still see the steeple
A little church on the hill
There was a line at the alter
Every pew had been filled
I remember the water
The choir singing old hymns
There was a peace in the valley
As the preacher man he said

In the name of the Father
The name of the Son
The name of the Spirit
You're washed by the blood
I'm buried with Christ
Raised in new life
Baptized

I can still hear the sermon
All the people said Amen
There was a gift of salvation
And you could be born again
I remember the power
The Holy Spirit rushing in
There was a peace like a river
When the preacher man said

All those old stained glass windows
And the stories they tell
All the memories as clear
As the day I was there
All those years I spent running
You've given me back
Now I'm stepping in
Oh I'm stepping in
Oh I'm stepping in

I can still see the steeple
A little church on the hill

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Friday, July 30, 2021

Hubris and Humility

In his column for the New York Times, which is titled “Not In Control,” David Leonhardt admits that the way we have approached the virus in this most recent pandemic needs to change. We must, he writes, “avoid believing that we can always know which behaviors create risks.” He quoted Michael Osterholm, who runs an infectious disease research center at the University of Minnesota, who says that we need to keep in mind one overriding idea: humility. “We’ve ascribed far too much human authority over the virus,” the researcher said. With all the proclamations, posturing, and politicking that the COVID virus has stirred, it was good to see someone admit – we do not know all that we think we know!

I want to run with that thought of humility today. Hubris convinces us that we are masters of our universe, that we understand ourselves, others, and our world more than we actually do. That excessive pride and the resulting over-confidence ultimately makes fools of us when we encounter situations that make it plain that we are not nearly ‘all that!’ Pride is a basic human sin, wrecking our relationships with others and with the Lord.

How important is humility to a vibrant Christian life? Take a look at the wisdom of the Word.

Jesus spoke to the need with this paradoxical statement -
"whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4, NIV)

Paul urges us to
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2, NIV)

James does not qualify the command -
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10, NIV)

Peter, likewise, directs us to
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6, NIV)

Humility is an indispensable trait in the character of the godly. From the opening stories of Genesis to wild visions of the Revelation we learn that humility is an irreplaceable quality for that person who would truly know and love the Omniscient God. Humility allows us to strengthen our relationship with God because it removes our need to ‘have our own way,’ and brings us to bended knee and open heart before Him.

Humility is a key characteristic of the person who builds lasting friendships, who lives in harmony with others. It dissipates anger. It facilitates forgiveness. It raises up the wounded and broken, viewing people as being worthy of respect.

Humility is a much misunderstood trait, not to be confused a lack of healthy self-esteem. Nor is it about hating ourselves or living in the shadows. The humble cultivate a rich awareness of themselves and others, knowing who they are in Christ, how they are gifted, where they are weak, contented to be no more or less than God made them to be.

Released from the need to strive and compete by God’s gracious love and acceptance, a humble person lives with love for all persons, including themselves, in the best ways. The humble man has no need to pursue the ‘success’ image that is entrenched in American lore and society. The chains of servitude that are made strong by endless attempts to find self-worth and acceptance by pleasing others are broken by letting God do the work of creating a humble spirit in us.

Will we receive the wisdom of Jesus when He calls us to let the work of humility be done in us? There is great promise for us in this. "God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them." (Matthew 5:3, NLT) "God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them." (Matthew 5:5, NLT) Wow! Heaven’s authority and earth’s blessings are God’s gifts to those who are humble.

Isaiah reminds us that "The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled)." (Isaiah 2:11-12, NIV)

Like all evidences of the Spirit’s life, humility is both a gift of God and something we must cultivate.

First step is to acknowledge Christ as Lord.
Not just once, but daily. Make a confession of His lordship, His rule, His ownership of your life part of your morning prayer. Almost every morning, among the first thoughts in my mind is a simple prayer – “Lord, this is your day, What opportunities have You prepared for me today? May You be honored by my thought, word, and action.” (Full disclosure - I fall short of that aspiration more than I would like to admit.)

Second step is honest confession of reliance on His grace and goodness.
Confession is not endlessly rehearsing ‘I am such an awful person. I am guilty. I am shameful.’ Confession is a daily response to the Spirit of obedience, a readiness to recognize failure and quickly find restoration because of His love and goodness to you. Though I have walked with God for 6 decades and served as a pastor preaching the Word for 45 years, I confess my need of the Spirit, my complete reliance on His power and grace everyday. That is not weakness, that is humility. Without the life of the Spirit actively working in me as I yield myself to Him, I cannot please God. Nor, my friend, can you.

If you think you are capable of living for Christ Jesus without living the Spirit’s disciplines, without real prayer, without learning the Truth of the Word, without worship and fellowship with other Christians – you are gripped by hubris! Want to learn and live with humility? Then, bow your head, open your heart, and learn to lean, like a child, on the complete sufficiency of the Father.

Here is a word from the Word. Given great gifts and profound revelations of spiritual truth, St. Paul was apparently tempted to go it on his own. "So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NLT) Ah, now there is humility – not I, but Christ who lives in me.